Col. Kareem Montague, incoming commander of the 5th BCD, thanks his family for their support during an assumption of command ceremon at Bishop Point. Montague assumed command from the acting commander, Lt. Col. Karlis Krievins.

Story and photo byStaff Sgt. Justin SilversU.S. Army-Pacific Public Affairs

The 5th BCD’s mission is to facilitate the integration of air power with Army force ground operations through the coordination of air support and the exchange of operational and intelligence information.

Col. Kareem Montague, incoming commander of the 5th BCD, holds the guide-on after receiving it from Maj. Gen. Charles Flynn, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific, during an assumption of command ceremony at Bishop Point. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Justin Silvers, U.S. Army-Pacific Public Affairs)

The presiding officer for the assumption of command was Maj. Gen. Charles Flynn, deputy commanding general, U.S. Army-Pacific, who spoke about the importance of the ceremony.

“Ceremonies like this are important to take time out and recognize,” said Flynn. “They’re important because they are a tradition, and traditions link us to our past. Our past ensures we remember our roots, and we remember those roots through the selfless service of those who came before us.”

Flynn also highlighted the significance of Col. Kareem P. Montague being selected for command.

“Effectively, there’s 18 colonel level commands for artillery men in the Army,” said Flynn. “The competition is steep, so the recognition by the Army to put you in this position of authority and increased responsibility speaks volumes about you.”

Montague assumed command of the 5th BCD from the acting commander, Lt. Col. Karlis Krievins, through the ceremonial passing of the unit flag.

Montague said he was looking forward to commanding the 5th BCD.

“When you’re a young lieutenant, you never think about becoming a colonel; you never think about commanding at this level,” said Montague. “You probably look at your battalion commander, and say, ‘If I could be one of those one day, that would be pretty cool.’ Anything above and beyond that has been a blessing, and I truly feel blessed for this opportunity.”